Dundalk defeated Sligo in a game that was entertaining and end-to-end for the most part, with Patrick Hoban and Daniel Kelly's first-half goals putting the game and the three points firmly in the Lilywhites' hands, despite a late goal and rally from the away side thanks to Max Mata.

In recent weeks, Stephen O'Donnell has hinted to the media that the best was yet to come from his young side, and it appears that his plan is starting to yield fruit.

Both sides had early sights on goal with a free-kick for the visitors that saw Aidan Kenna's strike deflected on its way to goal, and a fantastic layoff from Patrick Hoban with Bradley linking onto the pass and breaking into the area, his shot was brilliantly saved by McGinty.

Max Mata was the next player to have a shot on goal after receiving the ball at his feet from an initial Kenna shot, but Nathan Sheppard got down to prevent the effort with his feet.

Dundalk took the lead as the half-developed. Stephen Bradley's deep right-wing cross was missed by McGinty, and Patrick Hoban headed it home from close range at the back post. They would add a second when Bradley evaded Nando Pijnaker's challenge and fed it to Daniel Kelly, who slotted it past McGinty with ease.

The home team maintained possession in the second half, but David Cawley's half chance for the away side seemed to wake the home side up.

They created a flurry of chances in a short period of time. The best chance for the North Louth men came when Kelly broke down the right side and fed it to Hoban, whose cross was met by Bradley, he produced a fantastic effort that forced McGinty to make a superb save.

Despite a late fightback, it was Dundalk who emerged victorious to capture third place in the league. Max Mata bundled in a last-minute goal for Sligo after Nathan Sheppard, who had not put a foot wrong for the whole game, succumbed to some pressure in the area. A win was important in a big few weeks for the Lilywhites.